Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO DG Macro or Tamron AF 70-300mm F/4-5.6 LD Macro???

[DeltaWebb]

I'm on a very limited budget but I know I want to get a 420 EX Speedlite and a zoom tele.

I have been told that the Sigma lens is good for the money, but went to a photographic retailer who told me that there is very little quality control with Sigma and that the chances of me getting a good copy were like 5:1.

Is this true? Should I not go with Sigma or was the guy giving me the speel? I did notice that they didn't have but a few Sigma lenses and much more Tamron inventory.

If those were your choices which one or do I get the Canon 70-300mm f/4-5.6 III or do I forget the flash and get the Canon 70-300mm IS version?

Decisions, decisions...

[dmwierz]

I've used the Sigma 70-300 APO Super Macro II and it does a pretty good job, especially for the money. It's not a pro lens by any stretch, but I have gotten some decent shots with it. Not very fast, though, so you'd best use it in bright daylight, or boost your ISO up to 1600 on your XT if the light isn't good.

I eventually upgraded to a Sigma 120-300mm f2.8, and it has been outstanding. Don't believe ANYTHING any sales guy tells you, ANYWHERE, ANYTIME (and this is coming from a sales guy...kinda like the statement I remember from some goofy logic course I took in college where a guy from Crete makes the statement "All Cretins are liars").

Many folks love Sigma lenses, and at the higher end, they are a viable alternative to Canon L lenses, at a much better price. Maybe not made quite as sturdy, but they perform very well. The lens you are asking about is one of the great bargains in consumers lenses, IMHO.

All these shot wer taken with my XT and the Sigma APO Super Macro II:

http://www.pbase.com/dmwierz45/cubs_8_reds_7

from about 150 into the stands at Wrigley field. You can see the last one, where the Sun was out, came out best.

[TheObiJuan]

Get the sigma, I have it and love it. I almost exclusively used it on my honeymoon cruise in the carribean. For macro shots it is great, and cheap. The 1:2 ain't bad at all.

[condyk]

Yes, I had the Sigma and it a fine lens for little money. Resale is also good because of it's reputation. I echo what was mentioned about 'sales advice'. I assume there is an agenda to anything I am told by someone selling me something and I prefer to do my own research and use my own judgement. I am VERY happy with all my gear because of that.

[DeltaWebb]

Thanks for all the help. I think I'm going to get the 420 EX Speedlite and the Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO DG Macro. I let everyone know when it comes and post a couple of my first test shots with it.

Thanks again! Everyone was very informative.